EP1155802B1 - Holding device for a mould, mould half or a mould carrier in an injection moulding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Slides are guided by parallel tie bars and move relative to each other and the tie bars. Each slide has a rotating unit with a tool half or carrier holding system which moves with the slides and rotates around an axis perpendicular to the slide movement direction. Slides (2.1, 2.2) are guided by parallel tie bars (3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22) and move relative to each other and the tie bars. Each slide has a rotating unit (4.1, 4.2) with a tool half or carrier holding system (5.1, 5.2) which moves with the slides and rotates around an axis (42.1, 42.2) perpendicular to the slide movement direction (z). In a specific slide position the axes of both rotating units are coincident and both holders are at a distance (d) from each other, ready to guide a tool carrier (6). Independent claims are also included for: (a) a tool carrier for use in the holder, which has a standard interface for lossless transfer of media; and (b) a tool for use with the tool carrier.

Description

The invention relates to a holding device for molds, mold halves or mold carriers in an injection molding machine, also a mold carrier, can be used in this holding device, an injection molding machine, including this holding device, and also a method for removing or inserting a mold, mold half or a mold carrier according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Known injection molding machines often have the disadvantage of long set-up times or changeover times and cost because of inserting, removing, or changing shapes is complicated and time consuming. The shape, half of the shape or its support is yes the known injection molding machines part of the machine itself; It means that a machine part must be replaced when changing the mold. this will complicated by the fact that for cooling, hydraulic actuation, etc. various Media such as electricity, water (cold and hot), oil (cold and hot), air and / or other gases are introduced into the injection mold. The corresponding Supply and discharge lines are connected to the mold or the mold halves; when changing the shape, they must be removed from the old shape and attached to the new shape. This procedure takes time and labor. The The use of conventional injection molding machines is accordingly expensive and little flexible if the shapes have to be changed frequently. Modern injection molding companies However, they must be able to change injection molds quickly and easily, to their production immediately changing customer needs and others to adapt to constantly changing requirements and conditions.

For many applications of the injection molding process, it is advantageous if the injection mold or one half of the same is rotatable relative to the injection molding machine. With such a rotatable form is, for. B. the possibility of processing Melt (e.g. plastic melt) from several (typically two opposite) Injecting injection stations into the mold. First, at the same time molded parts with different geometries, different colors or made of different materials. Secondly, it can also be used for molded parts are manufactured from several components (multi-component process), So molded parts that have different colors or made of several materials exist (assembly injection molding). If only one injection station is used, a rotatable shape brings the advantage of faster cycle times. After one namely the first injection cycle, the mold can be rotated, and the just injected Molded parts can cool down and be ejected while already a second injection cycle takes place. With rotatable molds, more cavities are available Available than for non-rotating molds. In addition, rotatable shapes allow Intermediate stations for various options.

Injection molding machines with rotatable molds or mold halves are known. So revealed for example, the patent US4,330,257 an injection molding machine with two relative to each other movable platen and a core support body in between, which has at least four side surfaces and perpendicular to an axis is rotatable to the direction of movement of the platen. On both Mold platens are first mold halves with shaping cavities; the side surfaces of the core carrier body are with finger-like formations provide and together with these fingers form two mold halves. Will the two platen pressed against the core carrier body, so the first and second mold halves assembled into shapes, in which two Injection stations melt is injected. The molded parts thus created are removed from the cavities on the fingers.

The patent DE36 20 175 discloses an injection molding machine with at least two plasticizing and injection units and two mold clamping plates. The one Mold mounting plate is fixed, the other one can be moved on bars. Between Mold platen is a rotatable and also slidable prismatic Core carrier body. The first, on the platen the core carrier body second mold halves of the injection molds. By moving the movable platen and the core carrier body first and second mold halves joined to form an injection mold.

The European patent application EP 0 895 848 (henceforth EP'848) claims priority from DE19733667. The priority date of EP'848 is before the priority date of this Application, however, EP'848 was only filed after the filing date of this patent application published. For this reason EP'848 represents a state of the art according to Art. 54 (3) EPC.

EP'848 relates to a device for producing injection molded articles from at least two Plastic melts. One between a fixed platen and a movable one Mold clamping plate arranged further movable and pivotable mold clamping device serves to carry another half of the mold. The further mold clamping device consists of two superimposed, at least two each Holmen guided stable support blocks, each with a slide or pivot bearing for the in essentially vertically aligned axis of rotation of a prism-shaped half-beam, and at least two drive devices for changing the respective relative distance between the platen and each support block.

In such injection molding machines with rotatable molds or mold halves the disadvantage of the long changeover times due to difficult to replace shapes particularly noticeable. The shapes or mold halves are each with a Rotary mechanism connected, its removal from the molds or mold halves making the change of shape even more difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a holding device for a mold, To create mold half or a mold carrier in an injection molding machine, which the set-up and changeover times significantly reduced, which is a simple and rapid removal, insertion or exchange of the mold, mold half or the Mold carrier allows. Furthermore, an insertable in this holding device Mold carriers are created. Furthermore, an injection molding machine is to be created which does not have the above disadvantages and in which in particular short ones Setup and changeover times are possible. In addition, a method should be simple and rapid removal, insertion or exchange of the mold, mold half or the Mold carrier can be specified.

The object is achieved by the holding device according to the invention, the device according to the invention Mold carrier, and the injection molding machine according to the invention, as defined by the independent claims are defined.

The invention breaks with the conventional concept according to which the injection mold or their carrier is part of the injection molding machine itself instead she considers the injection mold, the mold half or its carrier as a module, which are inserted into the injection molding machine and replaced as required can be. For this purpose, a holding device for at least one Mold, mold half or a mold carrier created in an injection molding machine. This holding device has at least two displaceable relative to one another possibly rotatable holding devices for releasably clamping the mold, mold half or the mold carrier. The holder, not the shape itself, is a Part of the injection molding machine. On the holding device according to the invention all required media lines are firmly connected. In contrast, different Injection molds used in the holding device of the holding device without effort and be replaced again. The lossless transfer of the various media from the holding device into the form and vice versa is by normalized Interfaces guaranteed.

A preferred embodiment of the holding device according to the invention includes two sliding units, on each of which a rotating unit is attached. On Each rotating unit contains holding devices for molds, mold halves or their carriers. The displacement units can be displaced in one direction relative to one another, For example, on two parallel bars. Every turntable is like that on the respective displacement unit rotatably attached to the displacement unit slidably and by a slidable with the slider, to the direction of movement vertical axis is rotatable. The holding means are in this way on the displacement units attached that they face each other, their axes coincide and the holding means are at a certain distance from one another if the two displacement units are in a certain mutual position. In this one particular mutual situation, the distance between the a mold, a mold half or a mold carrier is reversibly clamped in both holding means become.

The mold used in the holding device according to the invention, the mold half or the mold carrier in the holding device can be moved in one direction and may be rotated about a displaceable axis perpendicular to this direction. The displacement of the holding device can be, for example, hydraulic and / or electric drive means actuated and with control or control means be controlled or controlled. The rotation of the holding means can, for example, by Rotary drive means actuated and controlled with rotary control or rotary control means or be controlled.

A mold carrier according to the invention is preferably a prismatic rotary block formed, the two bases of which face the two holding means. The rotary block has at least two side surfaces, at least one Side surface carries an injection mold or an injection mold half.

The holding device according to the invention is preferably between two Mold platens used in an injection molding machine. It is preferred one mold clamping plate firmly connected to the machine, the other mold clamping plate in the same direction as the displacement units of the holding device displaceable. The mold mounting plates each carry a first mold half. At least one, but preferably two or more side surfaces of the prismatic Rotary blocks have second mold halves. First and / or second mold halves are with shaping cavities. If the platen against the When the rotary block is pressed, the first and second mold halves add up Injection molds together, into which melt is injected from injection stations can be.

To remove a mold, mold half or a mold carrier from the inventive Holding device, the holding means are displaced so far relative to one another that that they release the mold, mold half or the mold carrier. thereupon the mold, mold half or the mold carrier is removed from the holding device.

For inserting a mold, mold half or a mold carrier into the inventive Holding device, the holding means are displaced so far relative to one another that that they allow the insertion of the mold, mold half or the mold carrier Have a distance from each other. The mold, mold half or the mold carrier is inserted into the holding device. The holding means then become relative to each other in a certain mutual position, so that they the Clamp the mold, mold half or the mold carrier.

The holding device according to the invention can be used in existing injection molding machines Install. It has both the advantages of the known injection molding machines with rotatable shapes as well as the advantage of easy change of shape on.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Haltevorrichtung innerhalb eines Teils einer Spritzgiessmaschine,

Fig. 2

eine Frontalansicht der Haltevorrichtung von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine teilweise geschnittene Frontalansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Haltevorrichtung und

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf einen Teil der Haltevorrichtung von Fig. 3.

A preferred embodiment of the holding device according to the invention within a part of an injection molding machine is described in detail below with reference to figures. Show:

Fig. 1

2 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the holding device according to the invention within part of an injection molding machine,

Fig. 2

2 shows a frontal view of the holding device from FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

a partially sectioned front view of a second embodiment of the holding device according to the invention and

Fig. 4

3 shows a plan view of part of the holding device from FIG. 3.

The embodiment of the inventive shown in Figures 1 and 2 Holding device 1 includes a first displacement unit 2.1 and a second displacement unit 2.2. The displacement units 2.1, 2.2 are, for example, as metal plates educated. They are made up of two parallel bars 3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22 worn and are on these with the help of guides 31.11, 31.12, 31.21, 31.22, e.g. cylindrical sliding guides, linearly guided so that they are parallel to each other are displaceable in a direction z. The shift can be done by (not shown) control or control means such as hydraulic, mechanical or electronic Position measuring systems, limit switches etc. can be checked and / or controlled. On the first displacement unit 2.1 there is a first rotating unit 4.1 and on the second Displacement unit 2.2, a second rotary unit 4.2 is attached. Each turntable 4.1, 4.2 is displaceable with the respective displacement unit 2.1, 2.2; at least one Part of each rotating unit 4.1, 4.2, for example a shaft 41.1, 41.2, is one with the Displacement unit 2.1, 2.2 displaceable axis perpendicular to the displacement direction z 42.1, 42.2 rotatable. The rotation of the rotating units 4.1, 4.2 can be hydraulic, for example and / or are actuated electrically, for example with (not shown) rotary drive means like a hydraulic or a servo motor. The rotary drive means can on a single displacement unit 2.2 or on both displacement units 2.1, 2.2 may be appropriate. Between the rotary drive means and the rotary unit 4.1, 4.2, a transmission and / or a clutch (not shown) can be provided his. The rotation of the rotating units 4.1, 4.2 can be carried out using (not shown) Rotary control or rotary control means such as encoders, limit switches etc. controlled and / or controlled.

On the rotating units 4.1, 4.2, for example at one end of the shafts 41.1, 41.2 Holding means 5.1, 5.2 for first mold halves 61.1, 61.2 or mold carrier 6 are attached. The Holding means 5.1, 5.2 can, for example, as carrier plates with corresponding (not detailed shown) reversible fasteners. The displacement units 2.1, 2.2 are mutually arranged or displaceable such that in one certain mutual position of the displacement units 2.1.2.2, the two rotary units 4.1, 4.2 face each other, their axes 42.1, 42.2 coincide and the two holding means 5.1, 5.2 have a certain distance d from one another. Figures 1 to 4 show the displacement units 2.1, 2.2 in this one particular mutual situation.

In the distance d between the two holding means 5.1, 5.2 is a prismatic one Rotary block 6 used. In this embodiment, the rotary block 6 has the Shape of a cube with two bases 60.1, 60.2 and four (not necessarily side surfaces 60.3 to 60.6 of the same size; however, he could be a different one, preferably have an even number of side faces. The two base areas 60.1, 60.2 of the rotary block 6 face the two rotary units 4.1, 4.2. The Rotary block 6 in the holding device 1 can be moved in one direction z and around a displaceable axis perpendicular to this direction z is rotated; this Axis is due to the coinciding axes 42.1, 42.2 of the rotating units 4.1, 4.2 Are defined. When the rotary block 6 is inserted, it connects the two rotary units 4.1, 4.2 rotatably with each other; therefore, a single rotary drive is sufficient Rotation of both rotating units 4.1, 4.2 and the rotating block 6.

The holding device 1 according to the invention is opened, for example, by the second, upper displacement unit 2.2 in relation to the one carrying the rotary block 6 first, lower displacement unit 2.1 a sufficiently large distance s is moved far. Sufficiently large means that the distance s is larger must be as the length 1 of the rotary block 6, d. H. s> 1. Such a shifted or open State of the holding device 1 allows quick and easy removal or change of the rotary block 6.

For clamping the rotary block 6, the second, upper rotary unit 4.2, for example, can be used a stamp can be moved in the x direction. To remove the rotary block 6 second turning unit 4.2 initially a small distance upwards, in the + x direction, hazards; then the second displacement unit 2.2 is displaced, for example, in the + z direction and the rotary block 6 removed. To insert the rotary block 6, the rotary block placed on the first holding means 5.1, through the second displacement unit 2.2 Move, for example, in the z direction to a specific position with the first displacement unit 2.1 brought so that the axes 42.1, 42.2 coincide, and the second rotary unit 4.2 down, in the x direction, lowered until the rotary block 6 fixed is clamped.

The holding device 1 according to the invention is preferably between two Platen 7.1, 7.2 of an injection molding machine (not shown) used. A platen 7.1 is preferably fixed to the machine connected, the other mold clamping plate 7.2 through the bars 3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22 guided linearly and in the same direction z as the displacement units 2.1, 2.2 of the holding device 1 is displaceable. This shift is caused by (not shown) causes drive means. The displacement units 2.1, 2.2 are by means of hydraulic, mechanical or electrical drive means 21.11, 21.12 (not visible) and 21.21, 21.22 compared to the movable platen 7.2 slidably; the drive means 21.11, 21.12, 21.21, 21.22 engage at points of attack 22.11, 22.12, 22.21, 22.22 on the displacement units 2.1, 2.2. The postponement the displacement units 2.1, 2.2 is operated hydraulically, mechanically or electrically and with a (not shown) hydraulic, mechanical or electronic Path measuring system controlled or controlled. The position measuring system ensures that with the rotary block 6 clamped on the same displacement unit 2.1 or 2.2 attacking drive means 21.11, 21.12 or 21.21, 21.22 always simultaneously and act parallel to each other. However, the two displacement units 2.1, 2.2 are independent controllable and movable from each other for quick replacement of the rotary block.

At least one, but preferably two or more side surfaces 60.3, 60.5 of the prismatic rotary blocks 6 carry at least one first mold half 61.1, 61.2 each a first mold insert 63.1, 63.2; the prismatic rotary block 6 thus serves as Mold carrier. The platen 2.1, 2.2 each carry a second mold half 62.1, 62.2 each with a second mold insert 64.1, 64.2. First mold inserts 63.1, 63.2 and / or second mold inserts 64.1, 64.2 are provided with (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) shaping cavities. If the platen 7.1, 7.2 with With the help of the drive means are pressed against the rotary block 6, the first join and second mold halves 61.1, 61.2, 62.1, 62.2 or mold inserts 63.1, 63.2, 64.1, 64.2 to form injection molds into which injection stations 71.1, 71.2 melt can be injected. For clear mutual positioning the first and second mold halves 61.1, 61.2, 62.1, 62.2 are preferred with guides, e.g. cylinder pins 65.16 and corresponding holes 66.14.

Figure 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of the inventive Holding device which is slightly different from that of Figures 1 and 2. FIG. 4 shows a plan view of part of the holding device from FIG. 3 The linear guides 31.11, 31.12, 31.21, 31.22 for the bars are an embodiment 3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22 on outer sides 23.1, 23.2 of the displacement units 2.1, 2.2 attached. The rotating units 4.1, 4.2 are on by means of bearings 43.1113, 43.2123 the respective displacement units 2.1, 2.2 rotatably mounted.

Through corresponding channels or lines 44.1, 44.2 in the first shaft 41.1 and / or the second shaft 41.2 are media such as gases, liquids or electrical Current led to rotary block 6. It is advantageous to use fluids such as gases and / or liquids through the first shaft 41.1 and the electrical shaft Current through the second shaft 41.2 mounted on top to undesired Avoid electrical contacts and contamination in the event of leaks. Between the holding means 5.1, 5.2 and the rotary block 6 are standardized (not shown) Interfaces for the transfer of the media are provided. In the open mold half 61.2 are shaping cavities 67.116 for the absorption of melt visible.

The invention also enables the person skilled in the art to implement other embodiments, as described here. For example, the holding means 5.1, 5.2 X direction can be displaced relative to each other.

Claims (13)

1. A holding device (1) for at least one mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2), or a die holder (6) in an injection moulding machine with a fixed mould holding plate (7.1) and a second displaceable mould holding plate (7.2), which is guided in a linear direction by means of four parallel spars (3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22) in a first direction (z), comprising

   a) a first and a second shifting unit (2.1, 2.2), which are arranged between the first and the second mould holding plate (7.1, 7.2);

   b) whereby each shifting unit (2.1,2.2) is guided in the first direction (z) by two neighbouring spars (3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22):
   characterised in that

   c) the first and the second shifting unit (2.1, 2.2) each have a holding device (5.1, 5.2) which serves to detachably attach the mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or the die holder (6);

   d) said holding means (5.1,5.2) can be shifted relative to one another in such a way that the mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or the die holder (6) can be exchanged;

   e) and standardised interfaces, which serve to transfer facilities to at least one mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or die holder (6).
2. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that each of the shifting units (2.1, 2.2) are arranged by driving means (21.11, 21.12, 21.21, 21.22) so that they can be displaced independently to each other along the spars (3.11, 3.12, 3.21, 3.22) in such a way that the mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or the die holder (6) can be exchanged.
3. Holding device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the first and the second holding mean (5.1, 5.2) can be displaced relative to one another in a second direction (x), which is vertical to the first direction (z) in such a way that the mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or the die holder (6) can be clamped or released.
4. Holding device (1) according to claims 2 or 3, characterised in that each displacement unit (2.1, 2.2) has a rotating unit (4.1, 4.2) which serves to turn the holding means (5.1, 5.2) around an axis (42.1, 42.2) arranged vertical to the first direction (z).
5. Holding device (1) according to with claim 4, characterised in that a first and/or second shaft (41.1, 41.2) of the first or the second rotating unit (4.1, 4.2) has conduits or lines (44.1, 44.2) which serve to lead through the facilities.
6. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a holding mean (5.1, 5.2) has standardised interfaces for the transfer of facilities to a mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6).
7. Mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6) for use in a holding device according to claim 5 characterised in that there are standardised interfaces for the transfer of facilities, which can be linked with the standardised interfaces of a holding mean (5.1, 5.2).
8. Holding device (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the first and the second holding mean (5.1, 5.2) can be shifted relative to one another in a second direction (x), which is vertical to the first direction (z) in such a way that the mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or the die holder (6) can be clamped or released.
9. Holding device (1) according to claim 8 characterised in that each displacement unit (2.1, 2.2) has a rotating unit (4.1, 4.2) which serves to turn a holding device (5.1, 5.2) around an axis (42.1, 42.2) arranged vertical to the first direction (z).
10. Holding device (1) according to claim 9 characterised in that a first and/or second shaft (41.1, 41.2) of the first respectively the second rotating unit (4.1, 4.2) has conduits or lines (44.1, 44.2) which serve to lead through facilities.
11. Holding device (1) according to one of the claims 8 to 10 characterised in that a holding mean (5.1, 5.2) has standardised interfaces for the transfer of facilities to a mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6).
12. Mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6) for use in a holding device (1) according to claim 11 characterised in that there are standardised interfaces for the transfer of facilities, which can be linked with the standardised interfaces of a holding mean (5.1, 5.2).
13. Process for the insertion of a mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6) into a holding device according one of the previous claims characterised in that

    a) the first and the second holding mean (5.1, 5.2) can be pushed so far apart relative to one another that the insertion of a mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6) is possible,

    b) that a mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or a die holder (6) will then be placed upon the first holding device (5.1).

    c) that the first and the second holding mean (5.1, 5.2) is brought into an opposite position so that the mould, mould half (61.1, 61.2) or the die holder (6) is clamped.

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